Fats--are they ever good for us?

Yes!

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are Essential fatty acids (meaning we must have them but our bodies cannot manufacture them), so we must consume them in our diets. Omega 9 fatty acids are not essential. Our bodies need omega 9 fats, but we can manufacture them from other sources.

Essential fats in the form of Omega 3, 6 and 9 are critical to good health. They contribute to the efficient functioning of the brain and the body on a cellular level.

Omega 3 fatty acids prevent strokes, heart disease, and the complications of heart attack. People who take omega 3 fatty acids have a lower mortality rate after heart attack than those who do not.

The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties so they also provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.

Omega 6 can help with the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.

Because Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other, a healthy balance of the two affects the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids which impacts all body functions at a cellular level. Together they combat inflammation, the culprit for speeding up aging process in our bodies and on our faces.

Omegas actually help to prevent fat storage and burn stored body fat anytime, especially helpful during less than healthy meals. Omegas have a two pronged system for blocking body fat storage. First is to prevent a large insulin spike; second is to fill fat cells with optimal material instead of items that will cause fat cell growth.

The essential fats contained in the Omegas will moderate blood sugar levels which is a key factor that the body uses to determine how much insulin to release. Insulin and other fat-storing hormones shoot up when calorie heavy meals are consumed. Limiting the amount of insulin released by the body is a crucial tool to avoid body fat accumulation.

The unique ingredients found in Omegas fill fat cells with welcomed material. These essential fats are the preferred cellular fuel. As a result, fat cells will shut off admittance to elements in the blood stream that will cause body fat to increase.

Cravings are also better controlled. Essential fats are needed to produce many hormones, but are also responsible for producing certain neuro chemicals in the brain such as serotonin. Serotonin helps to regulate appetite and feelings of satisfaction from food. This substance is rapidly reduced while dieting, especially during low fat diets, the most common diet on which we put ourselves. Omegas provide the raw material needed to produce optimal levels of serotonin and other elements needed to lower cravings and avoid a state of depression that often leads to massive binging and diet abandonment.

Take care though about the kind you buy. Manufacurers often leave them in someone's hot warehouse where they spoil. Furthermore fish oil products in particular are made with a few different standards. Most companies go after unfiltered fish oil which means that the refinement process is pretty crude. Fish are simply pressed for oils without any “cleansing”. As a result, the fish oil contains all the dangerous toxins encountered by fish such as PCBs and other pollutants found in waters across the world.

Buy a good brand and store them in the refrigerator. Take them with meals or a shake and spread the dosage out throughout the day. You will be fighting the increase of bad body fat, staving off a number of critical diseases, and postponing the aging process.

Seriously, what could be easier to do than popping a few pills for something so important?